“It has been a very interesting year,” says Mark, who is 48 and lives in Kenilworth.

“I was all set to ride Velo Birmingham, only for the date to clash with my stem cell transplant.

“But when the transplant was delayed, and the opportunity was still there to take on the Velo, I thought, why not?

“So, I completed the 100-mile ride, as you do, and ultimately it helped me through the stem cell transplant – in solitary confinement in a hospital room in three-and-a-half weeks, instead of the normal five.

Mark receives treatment

“And, earlier this year, I received the great news that I am in remission, thanks to Professor Charlie Craddock CBE and his team, and a lovely donor from Germany who I would love to try and meet at some stage in the future.

“I am feeling good, so we decided to get the team back together and take on London to Paris to raise some more funds for the vital work of Cure Leukaemia.”

Mark Nicholas from Kenilworth joins pals to take on the Cure Leukaemia London to Paris bike ride - less than a year after undergoing a successful stem cell transplant

Mark, a freelance IT consultant, was keen to take on the 500km bike ride despite having gone through such tough and gruelling treatment only months previously.

“It is great to take on this challenge and hopefully we are all going to smash it,” says Mark.

“The focus of a cycle event like L2P also pushes me to exercise and get fit to aid my recovery."